In certain parts of the country, thermometers might reach freezing temperatures on only a few days of the year. During those periods, mosquito season can seem like a year-round nuisance, which may not be far from the truth—especially since mosquitoes can move underground during the colder winter months.
When Is Mosquito Season Over?
It’s a good question, especially in the southern parts of the country with mild winters. Mosquitoes have an annoying habit of taking up residence in some people’s homes, living in drains, potted plants or anyplace where they have access to water and warmth. So when is mosquito season over in warmer climates? Let’s look at the facts.
Why Mosquitoes Are Considered Pests
Mosquitoes can carry infectious diseases that may have serious consequences for humans. Over a million people worldwide die every year from mosquito-borne illnesses, and the United States is not exempt from that statistic.
In certain areas of the U.S., pregnant women and people with compromised immune systems might actually fear going outside during mosquito season due to the threat of contracting an illness that could compromise their health. The Zika virus is one of the newer mosquito-borne threats for Americans, but these pesky insects can also carry West Nile and other viruses, and can even infect dogs with heartworms.
Needless to say, for many of us, mosquito bites are simply itchy and annoying! Even if you aren’t at risk of contracting a mosquito-borne illness, the little pests are just pesky to have around when you’re trying to enjoy warm weather or your outdoor living space.
So When Is Mosquito Season Over?
Unfortunately, that question doesn’t have a simple answer. Being that there are well over 150 different mosquito species that are active in the United States, each with its own life cycle and mating, hatching and hibernation habits, plus varying climates and ecosystems from one region of the country to another, mosquito season is a varying phenomenon. Generally speaking, mosquito season in southern states ranges from mid-spring through the fall, peaking in the summer months.
With many different distinct geographical regions comes a lot of variations in climate, including variations in humidity and temperature. Mosquitoes thrive in warmer, wetter climates, and certain regions are home to plenty of warmth and moisture. That’s why mosquito populations do exceptionally well along the Gulf Coast, for example, where freezing temperatures are rare and humidity is a given. Central Texas is also a warm, often humid haven for mosquitoes, and mosquito season in the Capital City area can last into the winter months.
When temperatures start dipping below 50 degrees, non-hibernating mosquito varieties will start dying off. Fortunately, most regions do regularly hit temperatures below that cut-off point in the winter months, and the first frost is a good measure of the end of mosquito season — at least, for those non-hibernating types.
But hibernating mosquitoes don’t die off when it gets colder; they simply seek shelter in places that are protected from the elements, including abandoned animal dens, hollow logs and even inside your home. These mosquitoes have been known to come out of hiding during warm spells in the winter, before hiding away when temperatures drop once again.
Controlling Mosquitoes In and Around Your Home
With such variable parameters for the mosquito season, it makes sense to take what measures you can to keep mosquitoes at bay in your home and yard. Here are a few tips for making your living space less inviting to mosquitoes:
- Since mosquitoes lay eggs in water, dump out any water that collects in planters, buckets and other areas around your yard after a rain, and fill in any ditches or other low-lying areas where water might also collect.
- Since mosquitoes can live (or hibernate) in piles of dirt, mud and dead leaves, keep gutters clean and clear, and rake away dead leaves after they fall from your trees.
- Keep window screens intact and attached, so mosquitoes can’t find their way into your home, and use air-conditioning when possible.
- Keep your swimming pool clean and pump off any water that accumulates on the surface of its cover during the off season.
Call On ABC For Your Mosquito Control
During the height of mosquito season, even the above measures may not be enough to control mosquito populations around your yard. In that case, call on ABC Home & Commercial Services to treat your outdoor areas (and inside your home, if needed). Our mosquito control technicians are trained and experienced in the best ways to eliminate mosquitoes and their eggs, enabling you to enjoy your yard and home without the annoyance—and potential threat to your health—of mosquito bites.
